Flashback: Buffett Rule Test Drive in Washington State

In 2010, Initiative 1098 was sent to the ballot in Washington State. It would have imposed a new income tax on the wealthiest 1 percent of Washingtonians. Washington is one of seven states that levy no state tax on income of any kind.

On November 2, 2010, Washington voters defeated the new tax by a 64-36 margin. This is despite the millions of dollars poured into the effort by national public employee unions. It is the ninth time Washington voters have rejected an income tax at the polls.

Washington State’s Buffett Rule, November 2, 2010

NO

1,616,273 (64.15%)

YES

903,319 (35.85%)

Washington State voters have a long history of rejecting a personal income tax